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Land for sale in Aruba
Buying a plot in Aruba — the land-type question that decides everything, what you may actually build, and why building is rarely the cheaper route.
Can foreigners buy land in Aruba?
Yes, on the same unrestricted basis as built property. The real question is not who may buy, but what kind of land it is and what you are permitted to build on it.
Freehold or erfpacht — on land it matters more
A great deal of Aruban land is erfpacht: a long lease on government land, typically 60 years and renewable. On a plot, the lease can also dictate permitted use and impose a deadline to build.
On a built property, erfpacht is mostly a financial question. On bare land it can be an operational one — some leases carry a requirement to build within a set period, and a plot bought as a long-term hold can come with a clock you did not notice. Ask for the lease terms in full, not a summary.
| Price basis | Per square metre, and it swings hard by area. Compare per m², never on the headline. |
|---|---|
| Zoning (ROP) | Governs what may be built where. Confirm the designation before you assume a plot is residential. |
| Utilities | Water and power connections are not automatic. Establish what exists at the boundary and what a connection costs. |
| Build deadline | Possible on erfpacht. Read the lease. |
Building in Aruba takes longer than you think
Materials are imported, the skilled-trade pool is small, and permitting adds time. People build here to get exactly what they want — rarely to save money.
What buying involves
Foreigners buy in Aruba without restriction. Budget 4–7% above the price: transfer tax of 3% on the first AWG 250,000 and 6% above it, plus notary fees of about 1–2%. Allow six to eight weeks from signed agreement to transfer of title.
Questions about land
Can foreigners buy land in Aruba?
Yes, on the same unrestricted basis as built property. The critical question is not who may buy but what kind of land it is — freehold or erfpacht — and what you are permitted to build on it.
What does land cost in Aruba?
Land is priced per square metre and swings hard by area. The northwest coast commands a large premium over the interior and the south. Always compare on a per-square-metre basis, not on the headline figure.
Can I build whatever I want?
No. Zoning (the ROP) governs what may be built where, and permits are required. On erfpacht land the lease itself can also specify the permitted use and a build deadline. Check both before you buy, not after.
How long does building take in Aruba?
Longer than most buyers expect. Materials are imported, the skilled-trade pool is small, and permitting adds time. Plan generously and treat any optimistic schedule with caution.
Is building cheaper than buying?
Rarely, once you count permits, imported materials, utility connections and the months of carrying cost. People build in Aruba to get exactly what they want, not to save money.
Looking for a plot?
Tell Nicolás the area and what you intend to build. He will check the land type and the zoning before you get attached to it.
Ask about landRead the buying guide